Patrick Richard added 20 points and 10 rebounds, and P.J. Alawoya had 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Cowboys (11-5, 3-0 Southland Conference). It is the Cowboys' best start since the 1985-86 team started 13-5.

McNeese State made 6 of 8 free throws in final 40 seconds to preserve the win. Martin made 9 of 10 free throws for the game and the Cowboys shot 83.8 percent (31 of 37) from the line.

McNeese State led 82-72 with 4:52 to play, but the Bobcats cut the lead to 84-82. A 3-pointer by the Cowboys' Diego Kapelan, who had 15 points, made it 87-82 with 2 minutes left and the Bobcats never got closer than three the rest of way.